Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
With over 20 years of expertise in agricultural sustainability, livestock management, and rural development, particularly in the CSR sector and social enterprises, I currently serve as a Associate Director- Farm Programmes at CottonConnect South Asia Pvt. Ltd. My role involves providing technical support and leading capacity-building initiatives focused on biodiversity, climate change, regenerative agriculture, GHG emission reduction and supply chain management. I specialize in creating and implementing innovative strategies that enhance agricultural sustainability, livestock management, and rural development, driving improved livelihoods and environmental outcomes. My key competencies include project coordination, capacity building, content development, and collaboration with government agencies. I have successfully implemented smart agriculture practices for 200,000 cotton farmers across four states, leveraging physical interaction, digital tools, and SMS services to improve information delivery. Additionally, I have led initiatives that increased crop yields and reduced input costs, with proficiency in soil science, agriculture chemistry, and stakeholder management.
I provide technical support to state teams in implementing climate-based sustainable farming practices for cotton and intercrops, with a focus on GHG emission reduction, ensuring program effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals. I assist local partners in planning and executing programs, fostering collaboration for successful project outcomes. As a leader in capacity building, I develop and disseminate IEC materials on sustainable cotton farming and climate change adaptation, conducting training sessions for local partners and farmers. My efforts have led to the successful implementation of sustainable farming practices for over 200,000 farmers across four states. I analyze soil testing data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement, while also conducting monitoring and evaluation activities. By collaborating with public sector organizations and research institutions, I facilitate knowledge sharing and partnership development. Additionally, I prepare comprehensive reports on program progress and provide technical support to global CottonConnect teams, focusing on agronomic aspects of climate change adaptation.
• Key Result Areas: • Coordinated the production of digital-based IEC materials for dissemination to farmers, livestock owners, fishermen, Healthcare and Rural youth managing content repository and conducting periodic content audits to ensure accuracy and relevance • Supported the automation of content dissemination through ICT, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency in information delivery • Developed partnerships with stakeholders for program implementation, coordinating agriculture and livestock outreach programs in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab • Provided strategic inputs for sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring program visibility and impact through effective communication and stakeholder engagement • Conducted monitoring and evaluation activities to assess program outcomes, utilizing findings to inform future initiatives and drive continuous improvement
Aug’12 with Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), Telangana as Program Officer – (Team Lead), Wardha (Maharashtra) & Bathinda (Punjab) • Successfully secured funding and resources for the TATA TRUST Project, enabling the expansion of ecological agriculture practices to additional regions and benefiting over 5000 farmers • Effectively coordinated project activities, fostered collaboration with local partners, and secured funding, driving the successful implementation of ecological agriculture practices in targeted regions
Conducted farmers meeting, assessed their needs and provided the necessary inputs in the form of expert advisories and training programmes, Arranged exposure visits for farmers at different fields, Conducting soil health and testing camps, Organised meetings between rural communities and experts through ISRO satellite based video conferencing/ internet based Skype conferencing
• Coordinated field activities with farmers on "Sustainable Agriculture Practices" for SADPAR & RRSE Projects in Kutch District of Gujarat. • Provided technical support to field teams on "Sustainable Agriculture Practices" in Akola and Buldhana Districts of Maharashtra.